Vacations Blog

“Here you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy”

It’s probably fair to say that you’ve heard of Disneyland.  It was the first of the modern family amusement parks and it is still the best.  Sure, other places might have a few more bells and whistles, but for history, detail, magic and fun, you can’t beat Disneyland.  It is the family vacation.

Disneyland was founded by Walt Disney as an alternative to the existing parks of his time.  He wanted someplace clean and fun where kids could be kids and adults could escape from the pressures of their daily lives.  He wanted a place where reality was checked at the door, or gate as the case may be.  It worked and it is still working today.

Located in Anaheim, California, just south of Los Angeles, the park is popular with both locals and tourists.  It can be visited in one day- one hurried, tiring and frustrating day, or it can be done at a slower pace.  Combine the park with the second gate,  Disney’s California Adventure, the Downtown Disney entertainment area and some quality hotel time, and you can stretch it for a week.

Disneyland is divided into different themed areas, each connected via the hub in the center or the railroad that runs mainly along the perimeter of the public areas of the park.

The areas consist of Main Street, U.S.A.,  Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, New Orleans Square, Critter Country and Mickey’s Toontown.

Each different land offers a variety of rides, shows, shops, dining and opportunities to meet and greet an array of Disney’s famous characters.

Disneyland has numerous spacious and clean restrooms, a quiet area for those with small children, first aid, assistance for guests with disabilities, lockers and anything else one might need while away from home.

Of note for parents traveling with children that do not meet the height requirements on some rides, ask a cast member about a child swap voucher which will allow one parent to ride while the other stays with the kid(s).  Then the second parent may access the same ride through a much shorter line than the main queue.

Updated park hours, ticket prices and special events can be found here.  Driving directions are available here.

Read of my personal experiences at Disneyland here.

All photos by Whit Honea.